The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), often called the "Big Board," is the world’s largest and most influential stock exchange, serving as a cornerstone of global finance. Founded in 1792 with the signing of the Buttonwood Agreement by 24 brokers under a tree on Wall Street, the NYSE began as an informal gathering of merchants trading securities. By 1817, it was formally organized as the New York Stock and Exchange Board, adopting a constitution that established rules and order for trading. The exchange moved into its first permanent home in 1865 and adopted its current name in 1863. Throughout its history, the NYSE has been a pioneer in financial innovation. It introduced the stock ticker in 1867, revolutionizing how market data was disseminated, and saw the creation of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1896, which remains a key market benchmark. The exchange has weathered major economic events, including the Panic of 1907 and the Great Depression, and has continually adapted to technological advances, from telegraph communications to digital trading platforms. Today, the NYSE operates as a global marketplace for equities, bonds, and exchange-traded funds, listing many of the world’s largest and most recognized companies. It is renowned for its rigorous listing standards and its iconic trading floor, which blends tradition with modern technology. The NYSE’s merger with the American Stock Exchange in 2008 further solidified its position as a leader in financial markets, offering a broad range of products and services. Notable for its historical significance and ongoing influence, the NYSE remains a symbol of financial resilience and innovation, shaping the way businesses raise capital and investors participate in the global economy.